2. Research in Sociology  Like all scientists, sociologists gain knowledge by doing research. They ask “how” and “why” and then they form a hypothesis  The methods that Sociologists use to conduct research can fall into two categories, quantitative and qualitative

4. Survey The most popular approach is using surveys  Surveys: are a research method in which people respond to questions  This approach is ideal when sociologists are studying a large group of people  It is vital that surveys are sent to a the right number and type of participants

5. Surveys Continued Researchers describe the people being surveyed in terms of populations and samples Population: a group of people with certain specific characteristics Sample: a group of people who represent a larger population

6. Samples Samples must be carefully selected if it is to have the same basic characteristics as the general population  If they have these characteristics then the sample is a representative sample: a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population as a whole  Random selection is often used to get a representative sample

7. Surveys How is information obtained: 1. Questionnaire: a written set of questions to be answered by a research participant 2. Interview: a survey method in which a trained researcher asks questions and records the answers

8. Questionnaires/Interviews What kinds of questions are used in questionnaires and interviews? 1. Closed-ended questions: questions a person must answer by choosing from a limited predetermined set of responses (i.e. multiple choice) 2. Open-ended questions: requires a person to answer in his or her own words

9. Secondary Analysis Secondary Analysis: is using precollected information for data collection and research purposes  Types of precollected data that are often used are gov. reports, company records, voting lists, prison records, and reports of research done by other social scientists

10. Advantages vs. Disadvantages Advantages:  Cost Effective Disadvantages:  Research might not be in the exact form that is needed

11. Field Research Another technique sociologists use is field research  Field Research: research that takes place in a natural (non-laboratory setting)  One example of a topic that is studies by field research is social cliques in high school

12. Field Research The most common method of field research research in case study  Case Study: intensive study of a single group, incident or community  Some case studies involve participant observation: a case study in which the researcher becomes a member of the group being studied

13. Combining Methods  Often times sociologists combine research methods.  This is often the case in program evaluations (a program which uses gov. funding to give housing to the homeless is evaluated for effectiveness)  Collecting different types of data is effective in evaluating a program’s effectiveness

14. Today’s Assignment  Types of Survey Questions on pg. 38  Theoretical Perspectives Chart on pg. 41